Turret System and Related Methods

ABSTRACT

A turret system for allowing remote aiming and/or discharging of a hand-held weapon includes a base assembly and a rotatable frame, carried by the base assembly. The rotatable frame is capable of rotating relative to the base assembly about a vertical axis. A carrying ring is carried by the base assembly, the carrying ring capable of rotating relative to the base assembly about a horizontal axis. Attachment structure is associated with the carrying ring, the attachment structure operable to allow attachment of a hand-held weapon to the carrying ring to thereby allow the carrying ring to alter a position of the hand-held weapon relative to the base assembly.

PRIORITY CLAIM

Priority is claimed of and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/072,719, filed Aug. 31, 2020, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/400,994, filed Aug. 12, 2021, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to turret systems that can be used to allow remote aiming and firing of weapons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the technology, a turret system for allowing remote aiming and/or discharging of a hand-held weapon is provided. The system can include a base assembly and a rotatable frame, carried by the base assembly. The rotatable frame can be capable of rotating relative to the base assembly about a vertical axis. A carrying ring can be carried by the base assembly and can be capable of rotating relative to the base assembly about a horizontal axis. Attachment structure can be associated with the carrying ring, the attachment structure operable to allow attachment of a hand-held weapon to the carrying ring to thereby allow the carrying ring to alter a position of the hand-held weapon relative to the base assembly.

In accordance with another aspect of the technology, a turret system for allowing remote aiming and/or discharging of a hand-held weapon is provided. The system can include a base assembly and a rotatable frame, carried by the base assembly. The rotatable frame can be capable of continuously rotating in opposing directions relative to the base assembly about a vertical axis. A carrying ring can be carried by the base assembly. The carrying ring can be capable of continuously rotating in opposing directions relative to the base assembly about a horizontal axis. Attachment structure can be associated with the carrying ring, the attachment structure operable to allow attachment of a hand-held weapon to the carrying ring to thereby allow the carrying ring to alter a position of the hand-held weapon relative to the base assembly. Two or more mechanical stops can be removably attachable one each to the carrying ring and the rotatable frame. The mechanical stops can be operable to limit rotation of the carrying ring or the rotatable frame, respectively. At least one of the mechanical stops can be attachable about substantially an entirety of a span of the vertical ring. At least two abutments can be carried by the base, each operable to engage one of the two or more mechanical stops to limit movement of the carrying ring or rotatable frame.

In accordance with another aspect of the technology, a method of retrofitting a weapon to allow remote aiming and triggering of the weapon is provided. The method can include obtaining a weapon and attaching the weapon to attachment structure associated with a carrying ring of a turret system. The turret system can include a base assembly and a rotatable frame, carried by the base assembly. The rotatable frame can be capable of rotating relative to the base assembly about a vertical axis. The carrying ring can be carried by the base assembly and can be capable of rotating relative to the base assembly about a horizontal axis. The attachment structure can be associated with the carrying ring to allow attachment of a hand-held weapon to the carrying ring to thereby allow the carrying ring to alter a position of the hand-held weapon relative to the base assembly. The method can include remotely activating a wireless controller carried by the base assembly to cause one or both the rotatable frame and carrying ring to rotate. The method can include remotely activating a wireless controller carried by the base assembly to actuate the weapon.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, relatively important features of the invention so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Other features of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of the invention, taken with the accompanying drawings and claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a turret in accordance with an embodiment of the technology;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the turret of FIG. 1, with an exemplary FN P90 firearm and accessories mounted thereto;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the turret of FIG. 1, showing mechanical limits attached to a rotating frame configured to allow approximately 90-degrees of horizontal motion in accordance with an embodiment of the technology;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the turret of FIG. 1, showing mechanical limits attached to a carrying ring configured to allow approximately 120-degrees of vertical motion;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of an exemplary side panel of a base assembly of a turret in accordance with an aspect of the present technology, showing power connections and an onboard computer interface;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the rotating frame of a turret in accordance with an aspect of the present technology, showing USB and Ethernet pass-through ports to allow for accessory mounting;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an extension bracket attached to a rotating ring and to an exemplary weapon; and

FIG. 8 is a front profile view of a rotating ring including a surrounding chain and sprocket teeth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it should be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those of ordinarily skill in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “controller” can, but does not necessarily, include one or more of such controllers.

Definitions

In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set forth below.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend upon the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.

The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.

As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint.

Distances, angles, forces, weights, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited.

As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 inch to about 5 inches” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 inch to about 5 inches, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value and should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described.

The Invention

The present technology provides turret systems and associated methods that facilitate remote aiming and firing of firearms or similar weapons. The present system includes an electromechanical device that can optionally be used in conjunction with other systems provided by the present Applicant, such as a universal trigger to enable full remote operation of the attached weapon.

Firearm Aiming

The present turret systems advantageously allow for remote aiming and firing of firearms, generally those firearms commonly known as hand-held firearms. A firearm can be attached to the vertical ring via several thumb screws and a weapon-specific bracket as seen for example in FIG. 2. The vertical ring (or carrying ring) allows for rotation of the weapon about a horizontal axis (i.e. the weapon can be rotated up and down) while the horizontal ring (or rotatable base) below allows for rotation of the weapon about a vertical axis (i.e. the weapon can be rotated left and right). When used together, the weapon can be rotated horizontally and vertically, and aimed at any point which the base of the turret itself is not blocking.

Mechanical Safety Limits

In situations where personnel are nearby, such as a firing range, or any application where it is desired to limit the range of motion of the turret, the present system advantageously allows mechanical hard limits, or safety limits, to be set. These hard stops prevent the turret from turning past the specified location regardless of commands sent to it. Exemplary safety limits are shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 8.

Onboard Computer

The present turret can function utilizing only a small onboard microcontroller: however it can be optionally configured with a more advanced built-in computer for special circumstances. This computer allows the turret to function independently of any external control computer, process advanced autonomous aiming algorithms, or adapt to other unforeseen needs specific to the application. All necessary ports for communicating with the onboard computer can be accessible from the side panel of the turret, as seen for example in FIG. 5.

Accessory Compatibility

The turret can be used in conjunction with other devices to extend its functionality. Most notably, a Universal Trigger produced by the present Applicant can be attached to the mounted firearms to allow for remote firing as well as aiming, as shown for example in FIG. 2. The base or rotatable frame of the turret can include several I/O ports which pass through to the top, as seen for example in FIG. 6. Accessories can be connected to through these pass-throughs to eliminate any chance of cables tangling as the turret spins.

Weapon is Unmodified

Each individual weapon will generally require a bracket to attach to the turret. For example, a P90 bracket is shown in FIGS. 2 and 7. These brackets generally attach to the Picatinny rails of a weapon if available. This mounting method allows the weapon to be easily attached and removed from the turret with minimal or no tools. After removing the weapon, the weapon is returned to its original state with no permanent modifications.

Configurable for Multiple Weapon Classes

The simple mounting method provided by the present technology allows the turret to be easily configured for multiple weapon classes. The only unique part required for each weapon type is typically the mounting bracket (or extension bracket), although mounting brackets can be configured to function well with multiple and varied weapon configurations. Weapons with similar mounting arrangements may also be able to use the same brackets or extension.

Enables Additional Technologies

The present turret enables additional technologies concerning the remote aiming and firing of weapons. Some examples include using video processing software used to identify and fire at targets from a video feed and using GPS to target specific coordinates.

Mechanical Construction Mechanical Design

The turret is designed for versatility and easy adaption to as many weapons as possible. The vertical mounting ring has many attachment points or other structure to allow for a wide variation in weapon mounts. The weapon brackets can be attached to the turret using standard screws or with easy-to-remove thumbscrews, as shown for example in FIGS. 2 and 7.

In one aspect, when not fitted with mechanical stops, the two rings of the turret can each rotate continuously in either direction. This allows the turret to aim at any desired point.

The vertical ring can be mounted on a shock absorber (for example, shock absorbing springs), as shown in FIG. 8. These springs assist in absorbing or dampening recoil from the weapon as it fires.

The base assembly of the turret can include a USB port and an RJ-45 Ethernet port which can be directly linked to the two ports on the horizontal ring through a slip ring connection. These ports allow for connections to mounted devices without any risk of cables tangling.

Mechanical Components

The turret generally includes three primary components: the carrying ring (or vertical ring), the rotatable base (or horizontal ring), and the base assembly (or base).

The vertical and horizontal rings can be machined aluminum with a chain and sprocket teeth surrounding the entire ring, as shown for example in FIG. 7. These chains can be driven by two electric stepper motors within the base of the turret. Both rings can be secured by several bearings, which can be advantageously protected within the base.

Screws or equivalent fasteners can be installed in the corners of the base and small stopper pieces can be installed on the horizontal ring. Together, these pieces can be configured to limit the horizontal motion of the turret to any range desired, as shown for example in FIG. 3. Similarly, small stopper pieces can be installed on the vertical ring to limit the vertical motion of the turret to any range desired, as shown for example in FIG. 4.

In one embodiment, the base can contain all of the electrical components required to operate the turret. These can include, without limitation:

-   -   PoKeys microcontroller circuit board     -   Stepper motor driver     -   Electric slip ring for USB and Ethernet pass-through cables     -   Two stepper motors with attached sprockets     -   Power supply     -   Compact computer

Electrical Construction Electrical Interface

The turret can be powered via a standard 110V AC C13 power cable, a common cable among computers and other electronic devices. The turret can also be powered with a three-pin CPC connector. This can enable the system to interface well with other products, for example many that are provided by the present Applicant.

Electrical Components

An integrated AC power supply can convert the line power to DC voltages suitable for the microcontroller, motors, and computer.

A stepper motor driver can receive signals from the PoKeys microcontroller and can output pulse signals suitable for the stepper motors controlling the two rings.

Command Interface

The turret can be controlled via the onboard computer or through an external connection to the PoKeys microcontroller. Extensive software libraries are available for interfacing with the PoKeys controller in a variety of programming languages and environments.

Turning now to the figures, the system can include a turret system 10 for allowing remote aiming and/or discharging of a hand-held weapon, shown by example at 12 (FIGS. 2 and 7). A base assembly 14 can carry a rotatable frame 16. The rotatable frame can be capable of rotating relative to the base assembly about a vertical axis (e.g., an axis corresponding generally to the gravity vector). The system can also include a carrying ring 18 that can be carried by the base assembly. The carrying ring is capable of rotating relative to the base assembly about a horizontal axis (e.g., an axis that lies on the plane commonly referred to as “level”). Attachment structure 20 (see FIG. 3, for example) can be associated with the carrying ring. The attachment structure can be operable to allow attachment of a hand-held weapon to the carrying ring to thereby allow the carrying ring to alter a position of the hand-held weapon relative to the base assembly. In the example shown, the attachment structure includes a series of spaced-apart openings that receive fasteners that can be relatively easily installed and removed.

While not so required, in one embodiment either or both of the rotatable frame 16 and the carrying ring 18 can be continuously rotatable in two opposing directions of rotation. The components necessary to accomplish this motion can vary, but in one embodiment, both the rotatable frame and the carrying ring can be formed from machined aluminum ring-like components that include a chain (22 in FIG. 8) that forms sprocket teeth. These sprocket teeth can be engaged by corresponding teeth (not shown in detail) coupled to a stepper motor located within the base assembly. Both rings can be secured by bearings also located within the base assembly. This arrangement can provide for continual movement in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

The system can also include one or more mechanical stops removably attachable to one or both of the carrying ring and the rotatable frame. The mechanical stops can be operable to limit rotation of the carrying ring or the rotatable frame, respectively. In addition, one or more abutments can be carried by the base assembly and can be operable to engage the one or more mechanical stops to limit movement of the carrying ring or rotatable frame.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, in one embodiment one or more stops 24 a, 24 b can be carried by the rotatable frame 16. One or more abutments 26 can be carried by the base assembly 14. In the configuration shown, rotation of the rotatable frame is limited to a range of about 90 degrees, the area the rotatable frame can travel between the points where the stops contact the abutment. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4, the carrying ring 18 can include a pair of stops 28 a, 28 b that are large enough to prevent the carrying ring from passing into the casing of the base assembly. In the example shown, these stops limit movement of the carrying ring to about 110 degrees.

As referenced earlier, in some embodiments the rotatable base and carrying ring can be capable of rotating indefinitely in either direction of rotation. As the mechanical stops 24 a, 24 b, 28 a, 28 b can be attached to the carrying ring and rotatable base in substantially any position about the carrying ring or the base assembly, respectively, any number of restrictions can be placed on movement of a weapon carried by the carrying ring. This can be beneficial in a variety of situations where it is desired to physically prevent the weapon from being oriented in a range of positions. Note that the mechanical stops 24 a, 24 b are shown in FIG. 8 oriented inwardly. In this configuration, the stops do not engage any abutments, and the rotatable frame 16 is free to rotate to its full extent.

The system can include one or more extension brackets (30 in FIGS. 2 and 7) that can be easily attachable to the carrying ring 18 via the attachment structure 20. As probably best illustrated in FIG. 7, thumb screw 32 can be utilized that are threadably engageable with the openings 20 formed about the carrying ring. The extension bracket can include a series of openings through which the thumb screws (or any other appropriate engagement structure) can be received. A user can quickly and easily secure the extension bracket to the carrying ring by threading the thumb screws into the openings, as shown. The extension bracket can in turn be attached to the weapon. In one example, as discussed above, the extension bracket can be attached to the Picatinny rail (or Pic Rail) of the weapon 12. The Pic Rail is included on many weapons and is designed to allow various sighting devices, slings, etc., to be attached to the weapon. The present extension bracket can be readily attached to such existing structure.

The extension rail 30 can thus easily and securely mount the weapon to the carrying ring 18. Once so mounted, movement of the carrying ring (either about a horizontal axis, through motion of the carrying ring alone, or about a vertical axis, through movement of the rotatable frame, or both) results in a corresponding movement of the weapon. As the extension ring can be configured for a particular weapon or weapon class, in one embodiment of the technology a series of differing extension brackets is provided. In this example, each extension bracket can include a differing size or shape and can be configured to attach a differing weapon to the carrying ring. In this manner, the present system can accommodate a wide range of known weapon configurations.

In one aspect, the technology can include one or more shock absorbers (34 a, 34 b in FIG. 8) associated with the carrying ring and the base. The shock absorbers can be operable to dampen recoil movement created by actuation of the weapon 12. Thus, the present system provides a manner of decoupling recoil motion between the weapon and the base assembly 14, which might otherwise damage or interfere with other components, or tend to cause movement of the base assembly itself.

In one aspect, the technology can include a weapon triggering assembly (36 in FIG. 2) that can be coupleable to the weapon and can be operable to allow remote actuation of the weapon. Various examples of such a triggering assembly are shown and discussed in detail in related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/400,994, filed Aug. 12, 2021, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The triggering assembly can mate with a trigger guard and trigger of the weapon and can be remotely actuated to allow physical manipulation of the weapon's trigger. In addition, the system can include a wireless controller (not shown in detail) that can be carried by the base assembly. The wireless controller can be operable to allow remote control of at least one of: a position of the carrying ring; a position of the rotatable frame; and an actuation of the weapon.

While details of control of the carrying ring 18, rotatable frame 16 and triggering assembly are not shown in detail, one of ordinary skill in the art having possession of this disclosure can readily appreciate the incorporation of structure necessary to provide functionality of these components remotely. Various stepper motors, position sensors, circuit boards, power supplies, processing systems, etc., the structure of which is known in the art, can be incorporated into the present system to provide the stated functionality.

In addition to the structural components discussed above, the present technology can also provide various manners of configuring, operating, manipulating and utilizing turret systems and accompanying hand-held weapons. In one embodiment, the technology provides a method of retrofitting a weapon to allow remote aiming and triggering of the weapon. The method can include obtaining a weapon and attaching the weapon to attachment structure associated with a carrying ring of a turret system. The turret system can include a base assembly and a rotatable frame, carried by the base assembly, the rotatable frame capable of rotating relative to the base assembly about a vertical axis. The carrying ring can be carried by the base assembly and can be capable of rotating relative to the base assembly about a horizontal axis. The attachment structure can be associated with the carrying ring to allow attachment of a hand-held weapon to the carrying ring to thereby allow the carrying ring to alter a position of the hand-held weapon relative to the base assembly. The method can include remotely activating a wireless controller carried by the base assembly to cause one or both the rotatable frame and carrying ring to rotate.

The method can also include remotely activating a wireless controller carried by the base assembly to actuate the weapon. The method can also include removing the weapon and the extension bracket from the carrying ring and attaching a different weapon and a different extension bracket to the carrying ring.

It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A turret system for allowing remote aiming and/or discharging of a hand-held weapon, the system comprising: a base assembly; a rotatable frame, carried by the base assembly, the rotatable frame capable of rotating relative to the base assembly about a vertical axis; a carrying ring, carried by the base assembly, the carrying ring capable of rotating relative to the base assembly about a horizontal axis; attachment structure associated with the carrying ring, the attachment structure operable to allow attachment of a hand-held weapon to the carrying ring to thereby allow the carrying ring to alter a position of the hand-held weapon relative to the base assembly.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the rotatable frame and the carrying ring are continuously rotatable in two opposing directions of rotation.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a weapon triggering assembly, coupleable to the weapon and operable to allow remote actuation of the weapon.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more mechanical stops removably attachable to one or both of the carrying ring and the rotatable frame, the mechanical stops operable to limit rotation of the carrying ring or the rotatable frame, respectively.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the mechanical stops are positionable about substantially an entirety of a span of the vertical ring.
 6. The system of claim 4, further comprising at least one abutment carried by the base, the at least one abutment operable to engage the one or more mechanical stops to limit movement of the carrying ring or rotatable frame.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a wireless controller, carried by the base assembly, the wireless controller operable to allow remote control of at least one of: a position of the carrying ring; a position of the rotatable frame; and an actuation of the weapon.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a shock absorber associated with the carrying ring and the base, the shock absorber operable to dampen recoil movement created by actuation of the weapon.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising an extension bracket, attachable to the carrying ring and to the weapon, the extension bracket operable to fix the weapon in position relative to the carrying ring.
 10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a series of differing extension brackets, each having a differing size or shape and being configured to attach a differing weapon to the carrying ring.
 11. A turret system for allowing remote aiming and/or discharging of a hand-held weapon, the system comprising: a base assembly; a rotatable frame, carried by the base assembly, the rotatable frame capable of continuously rotating in opposing directions relative to the base assembly about a vertical axis; a carrying ring, carried by the base assembly, the carrying ring capable of continuously rotating in opposing directions relative to the base assembly about a horizontal axis; attachment structure associated with the carrying ring, the attachment structure operable to allow attachment of a hand-held weapon to the carrying ring to thereby allow the carrying ring to alter a position of the hand-held weapon relative to the base assembly; two or more mechanical stops removably attachable one each to the carrying ring and the rotatable frame, the mechanical stops operable to limit rotation of the carrying ring or the rotatable frame, respectively, at least one of the mechanical stops being attachable about substantially an entirety of a span of the vertical ring; and at least two abutments carried by the base, each operable to engage one of the two or more mechanical stops to limit movement of the carrying ring or rotatable frame.
 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a shock absorber associated with the carrying ring and the base, the shock absorber operable to dampen recoil movement created by actuation of the weapon.
 13. The system of claim 11, further comprising an extension bracket, attachable to the carrying ring and to the weapon, the extension bracket operable to fix the weapon in position relative to the carrying ring.
 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a series of differing extension brackets, each having a differing size or shape and being configured to attach a differing weapon to the carrying ring.
 15. The system of claim 11, further comprising a weapon triggering assembly, coupleable to the weapon and operable to allow remote actuation of the weapon.
 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the carrying ring is carried by the rotatable frame and is rotatable with the rotatable frame about a vertical axis.
 17. A method of retrofitting a weapon to allow remote aiming and triggering of the weapon, comprising: obtaining a weapon; attaching the weapon to attachment structure associated with a carrying ring of a turret system, the turret system including: a base assembly; a rotatable frame, carried by the base assembly, the rotatable frame capable of rotating relative to the base assembly about a vertical axis; the carrying ring being carried by the base assembly and being capable of rotating relative to the base assembly about a horizontal axis; and the attachment structure being associated with the carrying ring to allow attachment of a hand-held weapon to the carrying ring to thereby allow the carrying ring to alter a position of the hand-held weapon relative to the base assembly; and remotely activating a wireless controller carried by the base assembly to cause one or both the rotatable frame and carrying ring to rotate.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising remotely activating a wireless controller carried by the base assembly to actuate the weapon.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the weapon is attached to the carrying ring by an extension bracket, the extension bracket offsetting and fixing the weapon relative to the carrying ring.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising removing the weapon and the extension bracket from the carrying ring and attaching a different weapon and a different extension bracket to the carrying ring. 